Prostitution den busted: 13 women freed in Dubai

An 18-year old Bangladeshi girl’s resolve to fight her offenders has resulted in freedom for several women who were forced into prostitution and held illegally by a group of Asian men in Dubai.

The youngster who worked in a garment factory in her native country and had the responsibility of running a household – comprising two younger siblings and mother - was lured to the UAE by Rahim. He promised her a job in Dubai if she learnt Arabic.

As she was earning only BDT2,500 (Dh112), she jumped at the offer and paid BDT7,000 (Dh314) for a certificate to prove she was well-versed in Arabic.

That’s when he demanded BDT130,000 (Dh5,838) in cash as fees towards processing her visa and tickets, which she duly handed over.

However, her nightmare began when she landed at the Dubai International Airport. She testified at the Dubai Criminal Court that a man – Suhail - received her at the airport and took her to an empty flat in Deira.

When she enquired about her workplace, he allegedly told her that she would be recruited only after the weekend and until then she could stay in that apartment where he lived.